They rise high above the treetops. They emit an electronic glare that brightens the night sky. Their daily message changes even slightly and we take notice. We anxiously share our thoughts concerning recent sightings and give attention when others share their interpretations of the ominous messages blanketing our land. It seems that many of my friends have recently turned into sign seekers. Have you been noticing the signs recently? "I saw it for…" I was able to fill up for…" I think by summer it will be…"
As gasoline prices surge upward, we continue to watch the signs. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of higher gas prices is that many of us have observed the signs and started to make adjustments to better position ourselves for an uncertain future. Maybe the suggestion from my mechanic to let him do a tune-up wasn't such a bad idea after all. It never hurts to be prepared. We put on many miles in a year. If it squeezes a few extra miles out of a tank of gas, I'll do it. Three grown children across the back car seat makes it a bit crowded, but the van simply uses too much gas! As the signs change, we make the needed adjustments in the way we live. Who can afford to ignore the signs these days?
Jesus spoke of signs to those of His day also. He told His disciples, "As it was in the days of noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." (Luke 17:26) Jesus instructed His followers to be aware of the signs that would precede His return. He pointed to what God saw many years before— "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Gen 6:5) In essence, Jesus was telling them; as it was then, it shall be when… Jesus told His generation to compare the things you understand about the "days of noe" with the condition of society in their own day. As a person is able to comprehend the signs of the times, they are able to better prepare for Christ's return.
As Christ's disciples; how are we doing at watching the signs? The signs leap from the pages of newspapers and magazines, but do we take notice? They glare menacingly at us from billboards along the highway, but are we able to distinguish the motivation behind the message? The signs are all around us, but are we able to interpret their meaning? Society is unable to understand the signs of our times. As Christians, we may understand that our day mirrors that of noe, but we also need to respond. Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of the signs around us is our lack of response to them. Jesus spoke of this reality as another sign that would be prevalent when He comes again.
It seems that most of us are certain that crude oil prices will continue to rise. All the signs point to continued price increases at the pump. This assumption has motivated us to take action; we are considering the purchase of a van with better fuel economy. As the signs of our times change, does the certainty of Jesus' return motivate us to action? Maybe the suggestion from a loving brother to give my spiritual life a "tune-up" isn't a bad idea after all. Perhaps a few adjustments made today, would help me be better prepared for the road ahead.